July Camping Trip

Karen and I just returned from our latest camping trip, which took us to the Nehalem Bay State Park along the North Oregon coast. In true fashion... it turned out to be one of those "Thurlacki" trips as well. Even though we did not see any bears (they have a bear problem along the central Oregon coast), or feel any of the 2 large earthquakes Friday out off the Oregon coastline, poor Dave ended up catching his hand (more notably his right-hand little finger) in a park shower door, which ended up needing 6 stitches.

Our camp site at the park.

What's really nice during the Oregon summers, is that while the interior valley areas are subject to hot temperatures, along the coast the temperatures can range between 20 - 30 degrees cooler (natures air-conditioner). We just happen to hit one of those times. We would dip down into the low 50's during the nights (great for sleeping with your bedroom windows open), and would warm up into the high 60's during the daytime.

Looking out at the beach.

During the daytime, we would drive into the smaller surrounding towns, and checkout the local ice cream shops, the antique stores, and of course... run Abby on the beach.

Abby cooling off from playing with her stick.

The off-shore wind keeping the fog at bay.

A wind-surfer having fun.

Abby and Maggie (Dave & Sandy's dog - part basset hound and boxer), both are best buddies. The problem comes when playing with a stick out in the water. Abby stands much taller and will swim out to retrieve the stick, then bring it in for Maggie to carry up onto the beach in much shallower water. It was fun to watch how the two of them have learned to play and work together as a team. Not only was this great exercise for the two of them, they both slept very well during the night. :-)

Abby bringing in the stick for Maggie...

Abby getting ready to drop the stick...

Maggie (bringing in the stick) just dropped it.

All of us had a wonderful time (except for the finger episode), with lots of rest and relaxation, cold beer, red wine... and sharing time with best of friends.

-Gary-

June Camping Trip - 2

For both Karen and I, the Metolius River really takes us into the relaxation mode. We love the smell of the Ponderosa Pine trees, the beauty of the local mountains, and the meandering Metolius River (a Fly Fishing Mecca) right out your front door. It's really hard to believe that this river actually starts right out of the ground from a spring.

Since a picture is worth a "Thousand Words"... I'll let them do the typing.

Smiling River Campsite #24


The towering Pine Trees

Abby and I along the river trail

Greg & his Buddy "Fergus"

Wizard Falls


Large fish at the Wizard Falls Hatchery

A Bald Eagle looking for Lunch

The "Headwaters of the Metolius". This is where the river comes right out of the ground, and Mt. Jefferson is in the background.

The Camp Sherman Store

Hope you've enjoyed these pictures, as much as we had fun taking them.

-Gary-

June Camping Trip - 1

Karen and I have never stayed at such an incredible RV Park. Winchester Bay RV Resort is without a doubt the best RV camping site that we have ever stayed in. The Bay Front camp site we had was unbelievable (I highly recommend Bay Front sites) . We could sit and look out our rear window, and see Bald Eagles, Osprey, and Pelicans flying by or fishing 30 ft. away.

Winchester Bay RV Resort - Site 119

We also learned from fellow Forum members Rich & Joan (Flcruiser2), that there was a great "Fish & Chips" place within walking distance of the RV Park. Ungers Bay Fish & Chips was very good, and right there on the inside docks of the boat harbor.

Karen and I took in the sites, and walked with Abby on the beach. There is a lot to see and do while staying here, and we enjoyed ourselves so much, we plan on returning back again soon!

Karen & Abby

Umpqua Lighthouse

Sunset on the Bay

Pelicans flying by (looking out our window)

One of the main reasons for staying here (other than rest & relaxation), was the opportunity to meet up with Wayne & Debbie (racebum) once again. It had been a while since our last visit in the Summer of 2007, so when they were up in the Northern California region, we made the arrangements to meet up for dinner at Port Orford, OR. Our final dinner location wasn't the best in the world, but we all weren't really there for the food anyway.

(Left to Right) Karen, Wayne, Debbie, and their sons Jeremy, and Brandon.

One last "Goodbye" before heading back. (Left to Right) Jeremy, Brandon, Myself, Debbie, Wayne, and Abby down below.

Until we meet again Wayne & Debbie... Aloha! And how about eating at a "Biker Bar" next time? :-)

-Gary-

May Camping Trip - 2

This was our first camping trip of the year with Dave & Sandy, and Fisherman's Bend is our favorite close campground. Jeff & Susan from the Forum, were also camped at Fisherman's Bend when we arrived, and since Jeff & Susan had been traveling on the road, Jeff had several packages delivered at our house prior to our camping trip, so that I could deliver them to him when we got to the campsite. What can "Thurm" do for you today? :-)

Myself & Jeff

We love camping at Fisherman's Bend, mainly because of the size of each camping site. They even have huge double pull-through sites so you can camp with family or friends (we were camped with Dave & Sandy in a double site). Below are a couple of pictures of just "half" of our double pull-through site.

Site 15A

Karen and Abby taking it easy.

There are miles of nature and hiking trails around the campground (which are well maintained), and plenty of opportunities to take in the fresh air, the sounds of the North Santiam River, or the beautiful wildflowers on a trail walk.

The North Santiam River

Bleeding Heart Wildflowers

But the best part about camping with friends... is the great food you get to eat as well. We always seem to have enough to feed the whole campground. I tried out a new Dutch-Oven Desert this camp out, and made a Chocolate Cherry Surprise cake. It turned out very well.

A sad end to this trip, was the passing away of a family member of Dave & Sandy while we were camping. Life has a funny way of reminding you how precious living every day to it's fullest is. You never know if "today" may just very well be your last... so live each day to it's fullest.

-Gary-

May Camping Trip - 1

This was our first "beach" camping trip of the year. It also ended up be a special trip, as we had several surprises while camping at South Beach State Park in Newport, OR. We ended up being very close to NuWa Owners Forum Members Jo Ann & Wayne (w/j miller), who were staying at the Whalers Rest RV Park 4 miles away. So Karen and I set off to meet them. It was like we've known them for years.

Jo Ann & Wayne

After our visit with Jo Ann & Wayne, when we returned back to our camping site, there was another NuWa HitchHiker parked beside us. It ended up being Forum Members Bill & Elysa (Wally2), who were on their way heading up to Alaska.

Elysa & Bill

Later on that afternoon, another NuWa HitchHiker Trailer arrived (Carl & Eleanor from Kansas - Non Members), and ended up parking next to Bill & Elysa. Wow! With all these HitchHikers camping next to each other, you'd think we were having a Rally... so that's what we decided to do! We all piched in, and contributed food for an outside potluck "get-together" that evening. The food, wine, and deserts were outstanding... but the company was awesome!

South Beach Rally

Fishing Boats in the Bay

A fun time was had by all... and it was sad to see everyone leave over the following days as we returned home, or continued onward with our adventures down the road.

-Gary-

February Camping Trip - 2

This was our first time staying at the "River Bend Park". We had stopped several times before checking out this newer campground, but we'd never camped here. We ended up getting a very nice camp site (8-D), that was close to the South Santiam River that surrounded the campground.

Camp Site # 8-D

At night, the temperatures dropped below freezing, so we did get the chance to use our trailers furnace. During the daytime, we mostly just used a ceramic electrical heater to keep us comfortable. We also enjoyed the huge nature trail around the whole park, as we once again had the whole park to ourselves (other than the one camp ranger who lived at this park).

Karen and Abby by the river.

This is a very nice campground... one we'll be staying at again in the future.

-Gary-

February Camping Trip - 1

Karen finally dropped down from working full time to "Part-Time" work this month. We decided to start taking advantage of our time off together, so we stayed close... and went to Waterloo Park just outside of Lebanon, OR for our first trip of the year.

Winter camping close to home.

We got lucky, in that there ended up being a "Total Lunar" Eclipse that night. Below is a sample of several pictures I took of this event, and placed them all together in order.

A Total "Lunar Eclipse"

Karen and I ended up being the only campers in this park, but we did get to talk to the two camp hosts that remained there throughout the year. I think we're going to like having empty parks to ourselves.

-Gary-

Here we are...

Hello Everyone!

Karen and I are starting this new BLOG, so that all of you (our friends and family), can follow us on the road as we explore and have fun camping in our 2005 NuWa HitchHiker II 29.5 LKTG 5th wheel trailer.

Looking for adventures... and what ever comes our way.

As most of you already know, we always seem to have our share of adventures (especially while camping with our dear friends Dave & Sandy), which we except as life's lessons... or what we like to call * "Thurlacki Adventures".

So kick back... grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy reading about our fun times out on the road.

Thanks for stopping by.

-Gary & Karen-

* If you ever camp with us, we can not be held responsible for whatever Doom, Natural Disaster, Act of God, Tsunami, Hurricane, Tornado, Fire, Heavy Rain, Killer Bees, Locust, or any other Super Natural Activities that you may encounter. If you still decide to stay with us... you do so willingly at your own peril!